Governance

1. MISSION STATEMENT

The World Refugee & Migration Council seeks to offer bold strategic thinking about how the international community can comprehensively respond to refugees and the forcibly displaced based on the principles of international cooperation and responsibility sharing. Comprising thought leaders, practitioners, and innovators from around the world, and supported by a research advisory network, the Council develops actionable recommendations to transform the global refugee and migration systems through responsibility sharing, accountability, innovative financing, transformative governance, and political will.

2. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

The World Refugee & Migration Council operates as a collective of volunteers committed to advancing the goals and mission of the organization. Members lend their services and efforts on a case-by-case basis to support the Council’s work.

The governance and management structure consists of the following bodies and positions:

2.1 Board of Directors

2.2 Executive Leadership

  • Chair
  • President (Chief Executive Officer)

2.3 Vice Presidents

  • Vice President, Research
  • Vice President, Public Affairs and Operations

2.4 Steering Committee

2.5 Council Members

3. BOARD OF DIRECTORS

3.1 Composition and Structure

The Board of Directors shall consist of a minimum of three (3) members.

3.2 Roles and Responsibilities

The Board of Directors exercises fiduciary and financial responsibility and oversight for the organization. This includes but is not limited to:

  • Ensuring the financial integrity and sustainability of the organization
  • Approving annual budgets and monitoring financial performance
  • Reviewing and approving major financial commitments and expenditures
  • Ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and organizational bylaws
  • Providing strategic oversight and guidance to the organization
  • Holding ultimate decision-making authority on matters of organizational governance
  • Appointing the Chair and President
  • Ensuring appropriate risk management and internal controls

3.3 Decision-Making Authority

Ultimate decision-making authority for the organization resides jointly with the Board of Directors and the Executive Leadership (Chair and President).

4. EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP

4.1 THE CHAIR

4.1.1 Primary Role

The Chair serves as the Chair of the Board of Directors and provides strategic leadership to the organization.

4.1.2 Responsibilities

The Chair’s responsibilities include:

  • Presiding over meetings of the Board of Directors
  • Helping direct the general activities and strategic direction of the organization in collaboration with the President
  • Working with the President on fundraising initiatives and donor relations
  • Representing the organization in external forums and high-level engagements
  • Appointing Council Members in consultation with the President and Steering Committee members
  • Inviting and appointing members to the Steering Committee in consultation with the President
  • Participating in major organizational decisions and policy development
  • Providing guidance and support to the President in executing the organization’s mission

4.2 THE PRESIDENT (CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER)

4.2.1 Primary Role

The President serves as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the organization and is responsible for the overall management and day-to-day operations of the Council.

4.2.2 Responsibilities

The President’s responsibilities include:

  • Managing the day-to-day activities and operations of the organization
  • Overseeing and managing the organizational budget
  • Representing the organization in external forums and high-level engagements
  • Working on fundraising initiatives and donor cultivation in collaboration with the Chair
  • Leading media outreach and communications strategy
  • Developing, overseeing, and managing projects and initiatives
  • Supervising the Vice Presidents and coordinating their work
  • Appointing Council Members in consultation with the Chair and Steering Committee members
  • Inviting and appointing members to the Steering Committee in consultation with the Chair
  • Implementing decisions of the Board of Directors
  • Ensuring effective implementation of the organization’s strategic priorities
  • Serving as the primary spokesperson for the organization on operational matters

4.2.3 Collaborative Leadership

The President works in close collaboration with the Chair to ensure alignment between governance oversight and operational execution, particularly in areas of strategic direction, fundraising, and external engagement.

5. VICE PRESIDENTS

5.1 VICE PRESIDENT, RESEARCH

5.1.1 Nature of Position

The Vice President, Research is a contract position. Remuneration is based on work performed on specific projects for the organization. This position is not classified as an employee of the organization.

5.1.2 Responsibilities

The Vice President, Research is responsible for:

  • Leading and coordinating research initiatives and projects
  • Overseeing the development of research products and publications
  • Managing research advisory networks and expert consultations
  • Ensuring the quality and rigor of research outputs
  • Other research-related duties as assigned by the President

5.2 VICE PRESIDENT OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND OPERATIONS

5.2.1 Nature of Position

The Vice President of Public Affairs and Operations is a contract position. Remuneration is based on work performed on specific projects for the organization. This position is not classified as an employee of the organization.

5.2.2 Responsibilities

The Vice President of Public Affairs and Operations is responsible for:

  • Managing public communications and media relations
  • Overseeing operational functions and administrative support
  • Coordinating public affairs strategies and campaigns
  • Supporting the President in external engagement activities
  • Other operational and public affairs duties as assigned by the President

6. STEERING COMMITTEE

6.1 Purpose and Role

The Steering Committee serves as an advisory body to the Executive Leadership and provides a forum for strategic dialogue and consultation on organizational priorities and initiatives. It will normally meet once a month.

6.2 Composition

Steering Committee members serve on a voluntary basis at the pleasure and invitation of the Chair and President. There is no fixed tenure for these appointments.

6.3 Responsibilities

The Steering Committee’s responsibilities include:

  • Serving as a sounding board for project ideas and strategic initiatives
  • Bringing forward project ideas and proposals for consideration
  • Providing feedback and advice to the Executive Leadership of the WRMC
  • Assisting with the development of policy statements on critical issues
  • Contributing expertise and insights to support organizational decision-making
  • Participating in consultations regarding the appointment of new Council Members

6.4 Limitations on Authority

The Steering Committee is an advisory body and does not exercise:

  • Oversight over the financial operations of the Council, which remain the responsibility of the Board of Directors
  • Decision-making authority, which resides with the Executive Leadership and the Board of Directors
  • Operational management responsibilities

6.5 Voluntary Service

All Steering Committee members serve on a pro bono basis without remuneration. Their participation reflects their commitment to advancing the mission and goals of the Council.

7. COUNCIL MEMBERS

7.1 Appointment

Council Members are appointed by the President and Chair in consultation with members of the Steering Committee.

7.2 Nature of Membership

Council membership is voluntary and reflects a commitment to advancing the goals and mission of the World Refugee & Migration Council. There is no fixed tenure for these appointments.

7.3 Engagement and Remuneration

Council Members may be engaged on specific projects developed by the organization. However, they receive no formal remuneration, and their work is provided on a pro bono basis.

7.4 Membership Changes

From time to time, new members may be invited to join the Council while others may be removed or may choose to step down. Such decisions are made by the Chair and President in consultation with the Steering Committee as appropriate.

7.5 Contributions

Council Members contribute their expertise, networks, and time to support specific initiatives and projects aligned with the organization’s mission. Their involvement is flexible and project-based, allowing them to contribute according to their availability and areas of expertise.

8. DECISION-MAKING AUTHORITY

Decision-making authority within the organization is structured as follows:

8.1 Strategic and Governance Decisions

Ultimate decision-making authority on matters of organizational governance, strategic direction, and major commitments resides with the Board of Directors in consultation with the Executive Leadership (Chair and President).

8.2 Operational Decisions

Day-to-day operational decisions are made by the President in collaboration with the Chair.

8.3 Project and Program Decisions

Decisions regarding specific projects and programs are made jointly by the President and Chair, with input and advice from the Steering Committee, Vice Presidents, and relevant Council Members as appropriate.

8.4 Financial Decisions

Financial decisions are made by the President and Chair, subject to oversight and approval by the Board of Directors in accordance with approved budgets and financial policies.

9. PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION

The World Refugee & Migration Council operates according to the following principles:

9.1 Voluntary Commitment

The organization relies primarily on the voluntary contributions of time, expertise, and effort from its Steering Committee and Council Members, reflecting their shared commitment to the organization’s mission.

9.2 Flexible Engagement

Members engage with the organization’s work on a case-by-case basis, allowing for flexibility in participation while maintaining commitment to the organization’s goals.

9.3 Collaborative Leadership

The Chair and President work in close collaboration to provide unified leadership, combining governance oversight with operational execution.

9.4 Advisory Consultation

The organization values input and advice from its Steering Committee and Council Members while maintaining clear lines of decision-making authority.

9.5 Financial Accountability

The Board of Directors maintains ultimate responsibility for financial oversight, ensuring the organization’s fiscal integrity and sustainability.

9.6 Mission-Driven Focus

All organizational activities and decisions are guided by the Council’s mission to advance bold, strategic thinking on refugee and migration issues based on international cooperation and responsibility sharing.

10. AMENDMENTS

This governance document may be amended by decision of the Board of Directors in consultation with the Executive Leadership. Any amendments should be consistent with the organization’s mission and values and should support effective governance and operations.

Version 2025